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Massachusetts Sues U.S. over DOMA

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts yesterday filed suit in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA.) The suit challenges Section 3 of the act, which prevents same-sex couples legally married in Massachusetts from accessing federal benefits and protections automatically granted to others couples.

People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan issued the following statement:

"I was very pleased to see that Massachusetts is doing right by all its citizens and demanding that the federal government stop discriminating against gay and lesbian couples. Attorney General Coakley is absolutely correct to be pushing this lawsuit, and the courts should treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

"Of course, the courts are not the only branch of government that can rectify this problem. President Obama has voiced his support for a full repeal of DOMA. Congress has the ability to pass legislation ending DOMA, and they should do so as soon as possible.

This lawsuit makes clear that DOMA isn't just about discriminating against gay people. It discriminates against states that have made the decision to stop prohibiting committed same-sex couples from obtaining the protections that only marriage can afford. The Defense of Marriage Act is on very thin ice, and we're seeing more cracks every day."

Last year People For the American Way launched a petition calling on Congress to repeal DOMA.